Amos 5:24

But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-ending stream! ~ Amos 5:24

How poetic is this writing for two very vital instruments. Justice takes in all that is unequal and out of balance. Justice is to care for the poor and needy with the same measure as the rich and profitable. It is to do your duty to God and mankind, or as Jesus said it, to love God above all others and your neighbour as yourself. It is to not presume one is better than another, but that all stand on equal ground. This does not come naturally to some, but must be a constant in the thoughts and actions. It must not only be thought about, but also acted upon. As Christians we are beginning to live in an unjust world. I read of a leader who prayed in Jesus’ name recently. She was criticized and mocked, yet immediately following her prayer was an Islamic who prayed the Quran and no criticism arose. Let justice roll on like a river! And let righteousness bear down like a never-ending stream, writes the author. Justice alone without righteousness of heart is distorted. We must not stop the flow of following the commands of Jesus, of being obedient servants of the Most High. Luke 1:6 tells us about Zechariah and Elizabeth who “Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly.” So we are to live this way as well. Justice and righteousness go hand-in-hand. Stand up for the oppressed, stand up for Jesus, and do so from a heart which is obedient to Him in Love.

Devotion by Pastor Julia